Sleeper barrier accessory

ABSTRACT

A sleeper aide accessory as described herein provides relief to individuals whose slumber may be interrupted by another sleeper&#39;s physical disturbances. The accessory dampens such movements, dissuades sheet and blanket pulling, regulates temperature, and even provides storage. The shape of the accessory is substantially sinusoidal and may be formed from polyurethane foam. The accessory comprises a linearly elongated base from which vertical fins and lateral fins extend. The accessory provides a barrier which temporarily sits on top of a blanket during sleep. The space between vertical fins may allow sleepers to retain a degree of intimacy without compromising the effectiveness of the barrier. Furthermore, any of the vertical fins may comprise a sleeve which may be utilized to store a reading device, a water reservoir, device charging capabilities, and other utilitarian features.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

This disclosure relates generally to mattress accessories, and, more particularly, to a sleeping aide that reduces disturbances between lying sleepers.

BACKGROUND

Sleepers that share a mattress will inevitably disturb each other's sleep either by tossing and turning, using handheld devices that emit blue light, pulling the sheet(s) or blanket(s), or causing overheating from excess body heat. Pregnant mothers, infants, or ill/wounded individuals may be especially sensitive to jostling but may benefit from the company and supervision of a loved one.

Current solutions for reducing such sleep disturbances can include utilizing numerous small pillows or a large body pillow to create a makeshift barrier. However, oblong and round pillows are easily moved throughout the night and do not provide a consistent structure. Unmanaged pillow clutter can also create heating and ergonomic issues and take up valuable mattress space.

More permanent barrier solutions include custom-built mattresses that incorporate a partitioning wall (See U.S. Pat. No. 1,092,298) which may be removable (See U.S. Pat. No. 1,094,679). However, the expense and inconvenience of a partitioned mattress do not justify such modification.

Most importantly, both pillows and partitions vastly compromise intimacy. For chronic light sleepers, sleeping separately from a chaotic (but loved) sleeper is not an option. As a result, many hours of sleep can be lost due to nightly interruptions (e.g., snoring, spasms, kicking, sleep-talking, night terrors), muscle numbness from cramped mattress space, excess heat, low temperature due to pulled blankets, or blue light or sound from smartphones and laptops. This can often lead to daytime drowsiness, an irregular sleeping schedule, and depression.

Thus, there exists a need for a sleeper aide accessory that dampens movement during sleeping, prevents sheet-pulling, stays weighed down, prevents blue light from affecting a neighboring sleeper, dissipates body heat, and does not compromise intimacy.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a sleeping aide accessory which provides sleepers with a removable cushion barrier which can be positioned between sleepers to dampen physical disturbances and prevent interruptions during a night's sleep.

In one aspect, a sleeping aide accessory comprises an elongate body. The elongate body comprises a base from which one or more vertical portions are raised and one or more lateral portions extend. The lateral portions may extend from one or both ends of the base. Or, the lateral portions may extend from any point along the base. The height of any of the vertical portions may range from approximately 5 inches to approximately 15 inches. A ratio of the height of the vertical portions to the width of the base may range from approximately 1.25 to approximately 5. This ratio may be different across multiple vertical portions. The width of the base may range from approximately 3 inches to approximately 4 inches. The lateral portions may extend a minimum of 4 inches from the base. The entire base may be approximately 65 inches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of this invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary sleeper barrier accessory, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary sleeping arrangement utilizing the sleeper barrier accessory, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the sleeper barrier accessory, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the sleeper barrier accessory showing a storage area, according to one or more embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-C are views of an alternate sleeper barrier accessory, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the sleeper barrier accessory, according to one or more embodiments.

Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various sleeper aide embodiments are described herein intended to provide relief to individuals experiencing disturbances by adjacent sleepers. The sleeper aide may be only satisfactorily invasive such that it ensures sleepers are able to sleep in peace but does not compromise intimacy and mutual comfort. As such, the sleeper aide may be characterized as a selective barrier in that it seeks to prevent disruptive contact between sleepers. Due to a number of its physical attributes, the sleeper aide can influence the movements of a lying sleeper through the course of the night.

It is to be appreciated that the inventive concepts expressed herein be interpreted in an illustrative, not a restrictive sense.

As used herein, references to ‘sleeper aide,’ ‘sleeper aide accessory,’ and ‘sleeper barrier accessory’ refer to the same object.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary sleeper barrier accessory 100 is shown. In one embodiment, the sleeper barrier accessory 100 may be a continuous structure made of, for example, polyurethane foam, latex, or polyester. Or, the sleeper barrier accessory 100 may comprise a fabric shell having either a shaped structure removably disposed therein or stuffed with a filler material, such as down feathers, wool, or buckwheat hulls. The fabric shell, or an external layer thereof, may comprise hook-and-loop fasteners, allowing a user to remove and wash the fabric shell.

In one embodiment, the sleeper barrier accessory 100 may comprise a linear structure comprising one or more vertical fins 120 protruding vertically from a base 110 coplanar with a horizontal plane 115. The vertical fins 120 are coplanar with a vertical plane 125 and may serve as a barrier between sleepers when the sleeper barrier accessory 100 is positioned therebetween during a night's sleep. At its ends, the sleeper barrier accessory 100 may comprise lateral fins 130 extending from the base 110 and coplanar with the plane 115. Though the sleeper barrier accessory 100 is shown in FIG. 1 with lateral fins 130 at the ends of the sleeper barrier accessory 100, it will be appreciated that lateral fins 130 may extend from different locations along the base 130. There are numerous advantages to the lateral fins 130, including providing: an anchor to hold the sleeper barrier accessory 100, attachments or attachment points for other objects or other lateral fins, and lateral stability.

In one embodiment, the lateral fins 120 may serve to maintain the vertical orientation of the vertical fins 110. Friction between the surface of the sleeper barrier accessory 100 and other objects (e.g., blankets, bed sheets) may prevent the sleeper barrier accessory 100 from being dislocated from a medial position along the length of a mattress. Furthermore, downward pressure exerted onto one or more of the lateral fins 120 may aid in maintaining the position of the sleeper barrier accessory 100. The downward pressure may be exerted by, for example, a sleeper's head on a pillow, the sleepers' legs, or a sleeping pet.

In another embodiment, the lateral fins 130 may be removably attachable to the sleeper barrier accessory 100. For example, the base 110 may comprise an attachment means 112 (e.g., hook and loop fasteners, interlocking slits, threading, zip fasteners). The lateral fins 130 may also comprise a corresponding attachment means 132 which may attach to attachment means 112.

In one embodiment, the sleeper barrier accessory 100 may comprise a strap 140 which may directly couple opposing lateral fins 130 (as shown) and/or opposite ends of the vertical fins 120. At its ends, the strap 140 may split into any number of coupling ends 142 required to ensure a tight fit of the strap. The strap 140 may wrap around the length of a mattress (not shown) and be elastic to aid in gripping the mattress. The strap 140 may prevent the sleeper barrier accessory 100 from slipping along the length of the mattress.

In another embodiment, a strap 150 analogous to the strap 140 may extend widthwise around a mattress. The strap 150 may couple to the lateral fins 130 as shown or directly to the base 110 and may prevent the sleeper barrier accessory 100 from slipping along the width of the mattress.

The sleeper barrier accessory 100 may incorporate multiple vertical fins 120 as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the vertical fins 120 may slope downwards within at least the plane 125 and meet at a trough 122. One or more troughs 122 between the vertical fins 120 may act as a passageway 124 which facilitates physical access through the sleeper barrier accessory 100. A sleeper may utilize the passageway 124 to access a sleeper on the other side of the sleeper barrier accessory 100. For example, a sleeper may extend his/her arm or leg through the passageway 124 and, for example, share physical affection with the other sleeper, nudge the sleeper to deter snoring, or wake the sleeper.

It will be appreciated that the vertical fins 120, as described above and illustrated in the drawings, provide merely one example of the concepts described herein. As such, ‘vertical fins’ will be interpreted to not be limited by the sleeper barrier accessory's linear shape. Rather, the concept of a ‘vertical fin’ should more broadly be interpreted as a raised portion of the base 110 of the sleeper barrier accessory 100 that may be any size or shape. In any case, the raised portions should be made with the intention of discouraging encroachment but maintaining the comfort of a night's slumber for all occupants. In a preferred embodiment, the raised portions may be a minimum height (for example, 5 inches) and a minimum width (for example, 3 inches; this corresponds with a minimum width of the base 110 of 3 inches. The base 110 may be a maximum of approximately 4 inches or more, based on the size of the mattress, material used to make the accessory, and functional requirements). Additionally, there may be any number of raised portions, but in a preferred embodiment, the sleeper barrier accessory 100 may comprise three vertical fins 120 with same or different heights. The highest of these vertical fins 120 may be situated near the heads of the sleepers and be a minimum of 12 inches to, for example, optimally block emitted blue light and prevent disturbing the circadian rhythm of all sleepers. The height of the vertical fins 120 may range from approximate 5 inches to approximately 15 inches.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that the base 110 may be any size and shape to provide an adequate footprint for the sleeper barrier accessory 100 in any of one or more sleeping arrangements. Sleeping arrangements may include, but not be limited to: one or more adult individuals, one or more juvenile individuals, one or more infantile individuals, and/or one or more pets. The sleeper barrier accessory 100 may be approximately 65 inches in length but may be a different length based on the length of the mattress it is placed on or the position in which the sleeper barrier accessory 100 is placed.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the lateral fins 130 may comprise corresponding fastening means 134 a and 134 b. The fastening means 134 a and 134 b may alternate along one side of the length of the base 110. The fastening means 134 a and 134 b provide a way for lateral fins 130 to be temporarily or semi-permanently fastened upon bending the sleeper barrier accessory 100 along its base 110 at, for example, a trough 122. The fastening means 134 a and 134 b may include, for example, buttons and buttonholes respectively, hook and loop fasteners respectively, threading/stitching, complementary zippers, elastic string and receiving slits, and other fastening means. When bent around an axis extending through a trough 122 and within the plane 125, the sleeper barrier accessory 100 can be reshaped or rearranged to accommodate different sleeping arrangements. This reshaping allows the base to move within the plane 115 and conform to a curved shape. For example, an encircling enclosure may be formed by connecting lateral fins 120 via corresponding fastening means 134 a and 134 b—such a shape may be used to, for example, safeguard a sleeping infant and prevent the same from rolling off a mattress.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary sleeping arrangement 260 is shown incorporating the sleeper barrier accessory 200. As shown, sleepers 261 and 262 share a mattress 265 and are covered by a blanket 266. In one embodiment, the sleeper barrier accessory 200 may be positioned on top of the blanket 266 and between sleeper 261 and sleeper 262. The sleeper barrier accessory 200 may be of sufficient weight to hold the blanket 266 down and reduce the amount of pulling on the blanket 266 by either sleeper 261 or 262 during turning. The sleeper barrier accessory 200, in turn, is held down by the weight of both sleepers as described further.

In one embodiment, the weight of the sleeper barrier accessory 200 may be at least approximately five pounds; the weight of the sleeper barrier accessory 200 may be relevant to the effectiveness of the sleeper barrier accessory 200 in preventing nighttime disturbances. Too light, and the sleeper barrier accessory 200 may be too easily moved and may not weigh down the blanket enough to prevent pulling. In another embodiments, the weight may be adjustable; e.g., the sleeper barrier accessory 200 may comprise a zipper along the bottom surface of the base 110 fabric, allowing a user to add/remove material or switch out formed solids with others.

In any case, the weight may serve to push the blanket down toward and against a medial position 268 on the mattress 265. If the blanket 266 is pulled, the sleeper barrier accessory 200 may serve to augment the weight of the blanket (i.e., if the sleeper barrier accessory 200 lies on top of the blanket 266) at the medial position 268 and prevent the blanket from sliding along with a moving sleeper. Ordinarily, when a non-weighted blanket 266 is pulled by a sleeper, say sleeper 262, it may rise from the medial position 268 (if it is lying thereon) and continue to be pulled around sleeper 261. When the blanket 266 is weighed down by the sleeper barrier accessory 200 as shown, it may be pulled only from underneath the sleeper barrier accessory 200. Generally, the weight of the sleeper barrier accessory 200 may be sufficient to prevent the blanket 266 from being pulled from underneath. In other words, the friction between the sleeper barrier accessory 200 and the blanket 266 and between the blanket 266 and the mattress 265 may be greater than that between the blanket 266 and the sleepers 261 or 262. Although five pounds has been provided as a suggested weight, other preferred weights are within the embodiments described herein.

In another embodiment, the sleeper barrier accessory 200 may be configured to be used for encircling an infant—preventing excess movement and falling off a mattress. In this case, the weight of the sleeper barrier accessory 200 may be nominal, such as approximately two pounds. In this embodiment, the sleeper barrier accessory 200 may be pre-formed or simply conformed to an annular shape, providing coverage at all angles around a sleeping infant. The sleeper barrier accessory 200 may additionally comprise a lullaby-emitting device, a mobile attachment point, a reservoir for a wipes dispenser, and other utilitarian features.

In most embodiments, the overall linear shape of the sleeper barrier accessory 200, as well as its high overall height to width ratio, causes the sleeper barrier accessory 200 to take up a limited footprint. In other words, the shape of the sleeper barrier accessory 200 focuses the weight of the sleeper barrier accessory 200 substantially on the medial position 268. As such, the ratio of the height of the vertical fins 220 to the width of the base 210 may be at least 1.25 to provide enough material at any given point along the base 210 but no greater than approximately 5 to prevent any of the vertical fins 220 from leaning side to side.

In a different sleeping arrangement, the sleeper barrier accessory 200 may be positioned below the blanket 266 and the tops of the vertical fins 220 may be configured to frictionally grip the blanket 266 and reduce pulling. For example, the tops of the vertical fins 220 may comprise thereon a rough surface which may allow adjacent surfaces to grip and/or by gripped by the vertical fins 220.

Sleeper 261 may rest his/her head on a pillow 263 and sleeper 262 may rest his/her head on a pillow 264. Each of the pillows 263 and 264 may subsequently rest at least partially on the lateral fins of the sleeper barrier accessory 200 as shown. As such, the sleeper barrier accessory 200 may be anchored in place due to at least the weight of the sleepers' heads on their respective pillows and the length/placement of the lateral fins under the pillows. The lateral fins at the other end of the sleeper barrier accessory 200 may also be weighed down by, for example, a leg 267 of sleeper 261 (even though the leg may be wrapped with the blanket 266) or a pet (not shown) sleeping at the foot of the mattress 265.

Referring to FIG. 3, a top view of the sleeper barrier accessory 300 is shown. The vertical fins 320 of the sleeper barrier accessory 300 may be arranged linearly and, when used according to a typical sleeping arrangement (see FIG. 2 at item 260), the sleeper barrier accessory 300 may lie substantially parallel to the sides of a mattress 365. The vertical fins 320 may adjust laterally, e.g., by bending, when a lateral force 312 is exerted upon it. Such a lateral force 312 may be exerted by, for example, pulling of a blanket (see FIG. 2 at item 266) underneath the sleeper barrier accessory 300 or kicking of the sleeper barrier accessory 300. However, such stresses may not be isolated at a particular vertical fin 320 but distributed more uniformly through the length of the sleeper barrier accessory 300, e.g., if an entire leg or a back of a sleeper lies against the sleep barrier accessory 300. Regardless of the stress(es) exerted upon it/them during the course of a typical night, the vertical fin(s) 320 provide(s) an uncompromising barrier between a resting (or restless) object. In the case of a sleeper managing to rest a body part on the vertical fin 320, which in a preferred embodiment is curved along its top, the sleeper may be encouraged to remove the body part at least due in part to gravity but also because the body part would typically be wrapped by a blanket, which typically feeds into the space below the sleeping barrier accessory. An unconscious bump into a vertical fin 320 may cause a sleeper to refrain from going up and over the vertical fin 320 and in some cases, retract from the barrier. Furthermore, the sleeper barrier accessory 300 may serve as an anchor for the blanket, keeping it in place and dissuading movements toward the portion of the blanket that is urged against the mattress 365 by the sleeper barrier accessory 300.

In one embodiment, the material of the sleep barrier accessory 300 may be polyurethane memory foam or another elastic material. The bottom surface of the sleeper barrier accessory 300 may have disposed thereon a silicone coating, providing a frictional surface to reduce the movement of the sleeper barrier accessory 300 across a typical substrate (e.g., blanket, mattress).

Due to its material, the sleeper barrier accessory 300 may also aid in temperature regulation. The sleeper barrier accessory 300 intrinsically changes the topology of the mattress, increases the surface area of objects on the mattress, and provides a heatsink external to the sleeping arrangement. In case of cold ambient temperature, the sleep barrier accessory 300 may prevent heat from escaping from beneath a blanket by insulating sleepers and closing passageways for heat to escape. In the case of warm ambient temperature (in which sleepers would not use a blanket), the sleep barrier accessory 300 prevents sleepers from disturbing each other and otherwise transferring or trapping heat between each other.

Referring to FIG. 4, a side view of the sleeper barrier accessory 400 is shown. As shown, in one embodiment, the sleeper barrier accessory 400 may comprise vertical fins 420 having passageways 424 therebetween. In a further embodiment, the vertical fins 420 may be molded during manufacturing into a sinusoidal or substantially sinusoidal profile, i.e., incorporating crests and troughs.

In one embodiment, at least one vertical fin 420 may comprise one or more storage pockets 414 inside which a smartphone, an e-book reader, food, or other objects may be stored. The pocket(s) 414 may consist of a substrate stitched directly into or onto the material composing the vertical fin 420 or may be coupled to an intermembrane 416 integrated into the sleeper barrier accessory 400. In a further embodiment, the pocket 414 substrate may be translucent or opaque. In a further embodiment, a translucent pocket 414 substrate may allow one or more capacitive touch devices placed within the pocket 414 to be used without interference. This may allow, for example, a sleeper to lie on his/her side and read from an LED screen—the sleeper barrier accessory 400 may drastically reduce the effect of the light's interference on the other sleeper by physically obstructing the light (via the vertical fins 420) but also by optionally filtering the light, e.g., through a polarizing filter.

In one embodiment, the intermembrane 416 may be the same or different material than that of the vertical fin 420. The intermembrane 416 may allow integration of other modules to the sleeper barrier accessory 400 which can provide added functionality and benefit to a sleeper.

In a further embodiment, the intermembrane 416 may incorporate conductive thread. The sleeper barrier accessory 400 may provide power to, e.g., a smartphone stored in the storage pocket(s) 414, through an adapter of the sleeper barrier accessory (not shown) coupled to the conductive thread.

In another embodiment, the intermembrane 416 may be waterproof and may utilize a portion of the vertical fin 410 to accommodate a water reservoir. In this embodiment, the sleeper barrier accessory 400 may further comprise a watertight drinking nozzle coupled to the water reservoir which may be utilized by a sleeper to drink water through the night without spilling. The volume of the water reservoir may be variable and adjustments may be made to balance the overall weight of the sleeper barrier accessory 400 with the drinking needs of the sleeper(s).

Referring to FIG. 6, a bottom view of the sleeper barrier accessory 600 is shown. In one embodiment, a bottom surface 611 of the base 610 may have disposed thereon a coating 617 which may introduce a high friction layer, preventing the sleeper barrier accessory 600 from slipping across an underlying substrate, such as a fitted bedsheet on a mattress, a carpet, or other typical surface. In one embodiment, the coating 617 may be polyurethane, polyurea, silicone, or other polymer.

In a further embodiment, the sleeper barrier accessory 600 may comprise a shell 613 which may envelope the sleeper barrier accessory 600. The shell 613 may comprise of fabric, mesh, or other material. In one embodiment, the shell 613 is removable via a fastening means 615. The fastening means 615 may comprise a zipper, threading/stitching, hook and loop fasteners, and others. The shell 613 may also be washable.

Although the present embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments. It is to be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps of any methods disclosed is an illustration of exemplary processes. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods may be rearranged. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless specifically recited therein.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. A phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sleeping aide accessory 100 comprising: an elongate body comprising: a base 110; one or more vertical portions 120 raised from the base 110; and one or more lateral portions 130 extending from the base
 110. 2. The sleeping aide accessory of claim 1, wherein the lateral portion(s) 130 extend from at least one end of the base
 110. 3. The sleeping aide accessory of claim 1, wherein a ratio of the height of at least one of the vertical portions 120 to the width of the base 110 ranges from 1.25 to
 5. 4. The sleeping aide accessory of claim 1, wherein the vertical portion(s) 120 incorporate(s) an overall sinusoidally or substantially sinusoidally-shaped profile with respect to the base
 110. 5. The sleeping aide accessory of claim 1, wherein a height of the one or more vertical portions 120 ranges from 5 to 15 inches.
 6. The sleeping aide accessory of claim 1, wherein the one or more lateral portions 130 extend a minimum of 4 inches from the base
 110. 7. The sleeping aide accessory of claim 1, wherein the base 110 extends at least approximately 65 inches.
 8. The sleeping aide accessory of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the base 110 comprises a coating 617 to provide enhanced friction against adjacent substrates.
 9. The sleeping aide accessory of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more vertical portions 120 comprises a sleeve 416 disposed thereon.
 10. The sleeping aide accessory of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more vertical portions 120 comprises an intermembrane 416 allowing coupling of any one or more of the group selected from: a water reservoir, a watertight drinking apparatus, an opaque sleeve, a translucent sleeve, a capacitive-touch enabling sleeve, capacitive thread circuitry, a light-emitting device, and a device-charging apparatus.
 11. The sleeping aide accessory of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more vertical portions 120 comprises one or more of the group selected from: a water reservoir, a watertight drinking apparatus, an opaque sleeve, a translucent sleeve, a capacitive-touch enabling sleeve, capacitive thread circuitry, a light-emitting device, and a device-charging apparatus.
 12. The sleeping aide accessory of claim 1, additionally comprising a removable, washable fabric shell which conforms to the shape of the elongate body.
 13. The sleeping aide accessory of claim 1, wherein the one or more lateral portions 130 consist of a continuous loop extending from one lateral portion 130 situated on one a first side of the base 110 to a corresponding lateral portion 130 situated on an opposing side of the base
 110. 